Bengaluru: The number of people in Karnataka affected by dementia, a neurological condition that impairs thinking and memory, is expected to double by 2036. However, the state’s delay in implementing a dedicated action plan may hinder efforts to address this growing public health challenge.
A recent large-scale study estimated that by 2036, over 9.41 lakh people in Karnataka will be living with dementia, up from around 5 lakh in 2016. The same study projected that India’s dementia population will rise to 1.69 crore by the same year. Despite the urgency, the state’s progress on tackling dementia remains sluggish.
Delays in Implementing the State Action Plan
Last year, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the creation of a state action plan to combat the rising prevalence of dementia. Following this, Bengaluru’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the Dementia India Alliance (DIA) submitted a draft plan in collaboration with the state health department. The draft outlined a comprehensive strategy to raise awareness, screen at-risk populations, and create a dementia-friendly environment across the state. However, since its submission, there has been little action from the government.
State health commissioner Sivakumar K B recently announced the formation of a task force to review the draft and design strategies to mitigate risks for people with dementia and support their caregivers. The task force will involve various stakeholders, including the police, women and child welfare department, education department, and mental health experts.
Global Misconceptions and Stigma
The World Alzheimer Report 2024, released on September 20, revealed that 80% of the general public and 65% of healthcare professionals worldwide mistakenly believe that dementia is a normal part of ageing. This misunderstanding delays diagnosis and hampers effective treatment, further complicating efforts to address dementia.
Dr Radha S Murthy, president of Dementia India Alliance, emphasised the need for an action plan. She pointed out that only 10% of those aged 60 and above receive a dementia diagnosis in India. “The lack of awareness, stigma, shortage of experts, insufficient services, and low governmental priority make dementia an immensely challenging issue,” said Dr Murthy. She has been advocating for a multi-stakeholder public health approach to tackle the problem.
The Importance of Risk Reduction
NIMHANS’ geriatric psychiatry head, Dr PT Sivakumar, stressed the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce dementia’s prevalence. The Lancet Commission’s 2024 update added vision loss and high cholesterol to its list of 14 modifiable risk factors that, if controlled, could cut the risk of dementia by at least 50%. Early interventions targeting these factors are crucial as populations continue to age and live longer.